EP1029439A1 - Haymaking machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The haymaking machine, particularly a tedder, has a chassis (1) with a central section (4) and several lateral sections (5 - 12) which are joined together and can be folded into a transport position and unfolded into a working position. At the level of the axes of articulation (13) of the lateral sections (8) which can be freely folded and unfolded, dampers (54) consisting of springs are mounted and damp the displacements of the movable sections around the axes of articulation.

Description

The present invention relates to a haymaking machine, in particular a tedder, comprising a chassis which can be coupled to a tractor, which chassis consists of a central section and several lateral sections which are articulated between them and which carry rotors mounted on support axes around which they can be rotated by means of transmission members which are housed in the chassis sections, said lateral sections being able to be transposed by means of hydraulic cylinders in a working position in which they are substantially aligned and in a transport position in which they are folded around their axes of articulation.

On a known machine of this kind, the lateral sections situated at the two chassis ends pivot freely, under the effect of their own weight, around of their articulation axes when they pass into the folded position or into the unfolded. These sections include, at their articulation axes, devices for braking said pivotings. These remain however relatively abrupt.

In addition, when these sections arrive in the final position for folding and when unfolding, they meet with a certain force stops intended to limit their movements. This causes each time a shock which is noisy and which can cause rapid wear of stressed parts.

The object of the present invention is to provide a machine as described in the introduction and which does not have the aforementioned drawbacks of the machine known.

To this end, an important characteristic of the invention consists in that the machine is equipped at least at the level of the axes of articulation between the side sections which fold or unfold freely, of devices which dampen their movements around said axes. These devices are made up by one or more springs arranged so as to work in tension and compression. They provide a kind of load shedding of the elements which pivot and thus avoid sudden movements of the latter in both directions of displacement. These devices are relatively simple. They can also include means which limit said movements.

• la figure 1 représente une vue de dessus d'une partie d'une machine selon l'invention en position de travail,
• la figure 2 représente une vue de derrière de la partie de la machine selon la figure 1,
• la figure 3 représente une vue de derrière de la même partie de la machine dans une position partiellement repliée,
• la figure 4 représente une vue de derrière de la machine complète en position de transport,
• la figure 5 représente une vue de détail d'un exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif d'amortissement,
• la figure 6 représente une vue de détail d'un autre exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif d'amortissement.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description below of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments of the machine according to the invention, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 represents a top view of part of a machine according to the invention in the working position,
• FIG. 2 represents a rear view of the part of the machine according to FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 represents a rear view of the same part of the machine in a partially folded position,
• FIG. 4 represents a rear view of the complete machine in the transport position,
• FIG. 5 represents a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a damping device,
• FIG. 6 represents a detail view of another exemplary embodiment of a damping device.

In Figures 1 to 3, only the left side of the machine is fully shown for clarity. We will understand that the right part is symmetrical and has the same characteristics. This machine has a chassis (1) which can be coupled to a tractor used to animate and move it in direction (A). To this end, the chassis (1) has a beam (2) which carries its end before a coupling device (3). This chassis (1) consists of also a central section (4) and four lateral sections (5 to 8 and 9 to 12) on each side of said central section (4). In total, the chassis (1) includes eight lateral sections. This number may vary depending on the width sought for the machine. Depending on their position relative to the central section (4), these sections lateral (5 to 12) are hereinafter called first, second, third and fourth lateral sections. The beam (2) is fixed to the central section (4). The sections (4 to 12) are hinged together by means of hinge pins (13) which are substantially horizontal and directed in the direction of advance (A).

The central section (4) comprises two rotors (14) and each lateral section (5 12) carries a single rotor (14). Each of these rotors (14) is constituted by a hub (15) on which are fixed several arms (16) carrying working forks (17) at their free ends. Each of these hubs (15) is mounted so as to be able to rotate on a support axis (18). This is substantially vertical or tilted in the direction of travel (A). Support pins (18) are mounted in bearings provided in housings (19 to 23) of the respective sections (4 to 12). Each of these support axes (18) carries at its lower end one or two wheels (24) which roll on the ground during work.

The rotors (14) can be rotated about their axes supports (18) by means of drive shafts which are housed in the sections (4 to 12). To this end, these transmission shafts include pinions which mesh with toothed rings integral with the hubs (15) rotors (14). These drive gears and toothed rings are located in the housings (19 to 23) of said sections (4 to 12). At the axes articulation (13) between these sections (4 to 12), said transmission shafts are interconnected by cardan or finger coupling devices. These coupling devices allow the drive shafts to pivot with their respective sections (4 to 12) around their axes of articulation (13).

The drive shaft which is housed in the central section (4) comprises in a housing (65) an additional drive gear. This one is in engagement with a pinion which is integral with a drive shaft which extends outside said casing (65). This drive shaft can be connected to a PTO shaft of the tractor by means of a cardan shaft.

Each first lateral section (5, 9) consists of a tube (25), a housing (20) which is located above the corresponding rotor (14) and two end caps articulation (26 and 27) located at its ends. Each second lateral section (6, 10) consists of two tubes (28 and 29), a housing (21) which is located above the corresponding rotor (14) which connects the two tubes (28 and 29) together and two articulation tips (30 and 31) located at its ends. Each third lateral section (7, 11) consists of a tube (32), a housing (22) which located above the corresponding rotor (14) and two articulation tips (33 and 34) which are located at the ends. Each fourth lateral section (8, 12) which is located at one end of the chassis (1) consists of a tube (35), a housing (23) which is located above the corresponding rotor (14) and a joint end piece (36).

On each side of the central section (4) is hung a first cylinder hydraulic (37, 38) which connects said central section (4) to the second lateral section (6, 10). The attachment of each first hydraulic cylinder (37, 38) to the section central (4) is effected by means of a hinge pin (39) which is housed in oblong holes of two parallel plates (40) which are integral with the section central (4). The attachment of each first hydraulic cylinder (37, 38) to the second lateral section (6, 10) is ensured by means of a hinge pin (41) which is engaged in cylindrical holes provided in two parallel legs (42) secured to the corresponding articulation end piece (30). On each axis (41) is in above articulated a rod-shaped stop (43). The free end of this stop (43) cooperates with a stop (44) provided on the housing (20) of the first lateral section (5, 9). This stop (44) and this stop (43) make it possible to limit the pivoting angle upwards from the second lateral section (6, 10) relative to the first lateral section (5, 9). The central section (4) has stops (52 and 53) which limit the angle of pivoting upwards of the first lateral sections (5, 9).

On each side of the central section (4) is provided a second hydraulic cylinder (45, 46) which connects the second lateral section (6, 10) to the third lateral section (7, 11). It is articulated on the second lateral section (6, 10) by means of an axis (47) which is housed in cylindrical holes of two parallel legs (48) integral with said section (6, 10). The connection between each second cylinder hydraulic (45, 46) and the corresponding third lateral section (7, 11) is produced by means (49) which provide a large lever for said audit hydraulic cylinder (45, 46) both when folding into the transport position and when return to working position. These means (49) include a pin (50) which is integral with the hydraulic cylinder (45, 46). This pin (50) is guided by means of an eccentric disc so that it moves in slots provided in plates (51) which are fixed on the third lateral section (7, 11), during the transposition of the third and fourth lateral sections (7, 11 and 8, 12). This pin (50) then keeps the hydraulic cylinder (45, 46) away from the axis hinge (13) of the third lateral section (7, 11) both in the position of working and in the transport position.

The first and second hydraulic cylinders (37, 38 and 45, 46) are of preferably double acting. They are connected to the hydraulic system of the tractor and are operated from it.

No hydraulic cylinder is connected to the fourth lateral sections (8, 12). These pivot freely around their axes of articulation (13) during folding and unfolding. At the level of these axes of articulation (13) between the third and fourth lateral sections (7, 11 and 8, 12) are mounted devices (54, 55) for damping the pivotings of said fourth lateral sections (8, 12). These damping devices (54, 55) are connected to the two adjacent lateral sections (7 and 8, 11 and 12) and pass over their respective axes of articulation (13). As shown in FIG. 5, each damping device (54, 55) consists of a tension spring (56) and a compression spring (57). These two springs (56 and 57) are substantially parallel and arranged one next to the other. The tension spring (56) is hooked to a first axis (58) which is secured to the fourth lateral section (8, 12) and to a plate (59) secured a threaded rod (60) which is fixed on a second axis (61) integral with the third lateral section (7, 11). This threaded rod (60) makes it possible to adjust the spring tension traction (56). This spring (56) acts essentially during the unfolding of the section lateral (8, 12). The compression spring (57) is mounted on a guide rod (62) which crosses the first axis (58) and which is fixed on the second axis (61). This rod (62) carries in addition a washer (63) and locking nuts (64) which adjust the pressure of the spring (57) located between this washer (63) and the first axis (58). This spring (57) thus acts essentially during the folding of the lateral section (8, 12).

The damping devices (54, 55) include means (66) for limitation of the movements of the lateral sections (8 and 12) around their axes articulation (13). This limitation means (66) consists of two bars (67 and 68) located between the springs (56 and 57). Each bar (67, 68) has a hole cylindrical (69) with which it is mounted on the first axis (58) integral with the fourth lateral section (8, 12) and an oblong hole (70) with which it is mounted on the second axis (61) integral with the third lateral section (7, 11). Said bars (67 and 68) move with the fourth lateral sections (8, 12) when these pivot around their axes of articulation (13). The ends of the holes oblongs (70) limit said pivoting when they abut against the second axis (61).

Each damping device (54, 55) can also include a single spring (73) arranged to work in compression and tension (see figure 6). This spring (73) is fixed at one of its ends to a rod (74) which is articulated on the fourth lateral section (8, 12) by means of an axis (75). To his other end it is fixed on a second rod (76) which is articulated on the third lateral section (7, 11) by means of a pin (77). These two rods (74 and 76) guide the spring (73). Between them there is a game which allows the spring (73) to compress by a certain value during folding. In addition, they limit the folding angle when they meet. The unfolding angle can be limited with stops provided on the lower sides of the end caps articulation (34 and 36) of the third and fourth lateral sections (7, 11 and 8, 12).

Although not shown, it is possible to mount a device damping (54, 55) at each joint (13) between the different sections (4 to 12).

Each second lateral section (6, 10) has on its beam (28) a support (71, 72) for the fourth lateral section (8, 12) in the folded position for the transport.

In the working position, the machine according to the invention occupies the position shown in Figures 1 and 2. It is then coupled to a tractor and can be moved with it in the direction of the arrow (A). All sections lateral (5 to 12) are deployed and are carried by the wheels (24) which rest on the ground. The rotors (14) are rotated around the support axes (18) of so as to turn two by two in convergence at the front (arrows F and F ').

Their forks (17) then pick up the products, for example strands of cut grass lying on the ground, move them backwards and spread them out again while causing their reversal. The different rotors (14) can follow the unevenness of the ground by pivoting with the sections (4 to 12) around the articulation axes (13) of the latter. Their downward swivels are limited by the lower ends of the articulation end pieces (26, 27, 30, 31, 33, 34 and 36).

To transpose this machine in the transport position, the drive in rotation of the rotors (14) is stopped. The second hydraulic cylinders (45, 46) are actuated so that they retract. These then fire on the third lateral sections (7, 11) and pivot together these and the fourth lateral sections (8, 12) around the axes of articulation (13) with the second lateral sections (6, 7), in the position shown in FIG. 3. In this position, the third and fourth lateral sections (7, 11 and 8, 12) have been folded back at an angle of almost 180 °. The fourth lateral sections (8, 12) then rest on the supports (71, 72). During said folding, the fourth lateral sections (8, 12) pivot freely relative to the third sections lateral, around their axes of articulation (13), in particular after having passed the vertical position. These pivotings are absorbed by the devices depreciation (54, 55). In the example according to FIG. 5, the spring (57) is compresses until the ends of the oblong holes (70) in the bars (67, 68) abut against the second axes (61). In the example according to Figure 6 the spring (73) compresses until the two rods (74 and 76) meet.

In addition, during the folding described above the pins (50) of the cylinders hydraulics (45, 46) move in the orifices provided in the plates (51). In the folded position, these pins (50) are located in the ends of said orifices which are opposite to those in which they were located at the start of the transposition. So they find themselves again some distance above hinge pins (13) between the second and third lateral sections (6, 10 and 7, 11). This will allow the hydraulic cylinders (45 and 46) to push with a significant lever arm on the third lateral sections (7, 11) during the return to working position.

After the aforementioned folding of the third and fourth lateral sections (7, 11 and 8, 12), the first hydraulic cylinders (37, 38) are actuated so that they retract. They pull on the second lateral sections (6, 10) and make them pivot around their articulation axes (13) with the first lateral sections (5, 9). The third and fourth lateral sections (7, 11 and 8, 12) move then with the second lateral sections (6, 10). The pivoting of the second lateral sections (6, 10) are carried out until their stops (43) meet the stops (44) integral with the first lateral sections (5, 9). Swivel angle obtained is approximately 7 °. The stops (44) then block the second sections lateral (6, 10) relative to the first lateral sections (5, 9). Then the first hydraulic cylinders (37, 38) rotate all of the sections lateral (5 to 12) around the axes of articulation (13) with the central section (4). The pivot angle around these articulation axes is close to 90 °. In the new position the lateral sections (5 to 12) are substantially vertical, the first and second lateral sections (5, 9 and 6, 10) being directed upwards and the third and fourth lateral sections (7, 11 and 8, 12) being directed towards the down from their respective hinge pins (13) (see Figure 4). These sections side (5 to 12) can possibly be immobilized in this position when by means of mechanical locks associated with hydraulic cylinders (37, 38). The width of the machine is thus very reduced without its length being increased. Therefore, this position is ideal for transport.

To return the machine to the working position, the first cylinders hydraulics (37, 38) are actuated so that they lengthen. The lateral sections (5 to 12) pivot down until the wheels (24) of the rotors (14) of the first and second lateral sections (5, 9 and 6, 10) rest on the ground. Then, the second hydraulic cylinders (45, 46) are actuated so that they lengthen. These push the third and fourth lateral sections (7, 11 and 8, 12) outwards and rotate them around the hinge pins (13) with the second lateral sections (6, 10). The springs (56 or 73) of the devices (54, 55) dampen the pivoting of the fourth lateral sections (8, 12) around their axes (13) with the third lateral sections (7, 11) when they have passed the vertical position. This pivoting is stopped when the ends of the orifices oblong (70) bars (67, 68) abut against the second axes (61) or when the stops of the end pieces (34 and 36) meet. During this unfolding of third and fourth lateral sections (7, 11 and 8, 12), the pins (50) of the second hydraulic cylinders (45, 46) move up in the slots plates (51) so that they are again some distance above hinge pins (13). When all the sections (4 to 12) are again aligned, the rotors (14) can be rotated as described previously.

It is obvious that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are still possible, particularly with regard to the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the claims.

Claims (12)

Haymaking machine, in particular a tedder, comprising a chassis (1) which can be coupled to a tractor, which chassis (1) consists of a central section (4) and several lateral sections (5 to 12) which are articulated between them and which carry rotors (14) mounted on support pins (18) around which they can be rotated by means of transmission members which are housed in the sections (4 to 12) of the chassis (1), said lateral sections (5 to 12) which can be transposed by means of hydraulic cylinders (37, 38, 45, 46) in a working position in which they are substantially aligned and in a transport position in which they are folded around their axes articulation (13), characterized in that it comprises at least at the level of the articulation axes (13) lateral sections (8, 12) which fold up or unfold freely, damping devices (54 , 55) made up of one or more springs (56, 57; 73) arranged to work in traction and compression and which dampen the movements of said lateral sections (8, 12) around their axes of articulation (13). Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the damping devices (54, 55) are connected to the lateral sections (8, 12) which fold or unfold freely and to the adjacent lateral sections (7, 11) and which 'They pass over the corresponding hinge pins (13). Machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the damping devices (54, 55) consist of a tension spring (56) and a compression spring (57). Machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the tension spring (56) and the compression spring (57) are substantially parallel and are arranged one next to the other. Machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the tension spring (56) and the compression spring (57) cooperate with substantially horizontal axes (58 and 61) which are integral with the lateral sections (8, 12 and 7, 11) neighbors. Machine according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the tension of the tension and compression springs (56, 57) is adjustable. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each damping device (54, 55) comprises means (66) for limiting the displacements of the corresponding lateral sections (8, 12) around their axes of articulation (13). Machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the limiting means (66) consists of at least one bar (67, 68) linked to the two adjacent lateral sections (8, 12 and 7, 11). Machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the bar (67, 68) has a cylindrical orifice (69) by means of which it is mounted on a first axis (58) integral with one of the lateral sections (8, 12 and 7, 11) neighbors and an oblong orifice (70) by means of which it is mounted on a second axis (61) integral with the other of said neighboring lateral sections (8, 12 and 7, 11). Machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the damping devices (54, 55) consist of a single spring (73) arranged so as to work in compression and in traction. Machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the spring (73) is fixed at each of its ends to a guide rod (74, 76). Machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the guide rods (74 and 76) are articulated respectively on the fourth lateral sections (8, 12) and the third lateral sections (7, 11) and that they limit folding back said fourth lateral sections (8, 12) around their axes of articulation (13).

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